Craig Barrett to retire as Intel chairman

After 35 years with one of Silicon Valley’s foremost chip producers, Craig Barrett is to retire from his position as chairman of Intel in May.

Barrett joined Intel in 1974 and has served in many capacities, including CEO from 1998 through 2005.

“Intel became the world’s largest and most successful semiconductor company in 1992 and has maintained that position ever since,” said Barrett, commenting on the end of his time with the company.

“I’m extremely proud to have helped achieve that accomplishment, and to have the honour of working with tens of thousands of Intel employees who every day put their talents to use to make Intel one of the premier technology companies in the world. I have every confidence that Intel will continue this leadership under the direction of Paul Otellini and his management team.”

Barrett noted that he was fortunate to have been able to work side by side with industry legends Bob Noyce, Gordon Moore and Andy Grove.

In recent years, Barrett has been active in Intel’s World Ahead Programme, bringing information technology to emerging economies, and has been active in issues as far ranging as education, healthcare and US competitiveness.

Barrett is the current chair of the UN Global Alliance for Information and Communications Technology and Development.

It was 20 years ago, during Barrett’s tenure as Intel CEO, that the crucial decision was taken to locate the current 5,000-employee Intel fabrication facilities at Leixlip in CoKildare.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini thanked Barrett for his 35 years of tireless effort, and said his legacy spans the creation of the best semiconductor manufacturing machine in the world.

“Craig led Intel for seven years as we emerged into a global powerhouse, and most recently was our industry’s senior statesman and ambassador advocating the benefits of education and technology as forces for positive change.

“He has been my colleague, supervisor, mentor and friend for these 35 years. I wish him the very best as he moves on to the next chapter in his life,” Otellini said.

Barrett’s role as chairman will be filled by independent director Jane Shaw, who joined the board of directors in 1993.

By John Kennedy

Pictured: Craig Barrett is due to retire from his position as chairman of Intel in May